Italian Wine-Themed Tablescape

Earlier this summer, I was asked to provide tablecloths and centerpieces for a friend's outdoor family reunion.  As many of her family members are of Italian descent, she was thinking of something in the way of an Italian and/or wine-themed type of décor. I thought you might like to take a look at what I came up with.

 

I set up a sample table in my backyard to try things out. Even though she only wanted tablecloths and centerpieces, I had to get a feel for the theme by setting a complete tablescape.

Inspiration began when I started thinking Italian restaurant and the classic red/white checked tablecloth came to mind.

 

 

Special thanks to my sister for cutting/sewing the tablecloths into square overlays and matching napkins -sewing is definitely not my forte. I tucked a sprig of faux rosemary inside the napkin ring for this sample table.

 

To try and incorporate a wine-theme to the table, I created a centerpiece by placing an embellished empty wine bottle inside a burlap lined wire basket (Walmart). The wine bottle was filled with water to give it some weight.

 

I wanted to have a bit of the look of the Italian chianti bottles (another classic Italian restaurant item) so I wrapped the top of the wine bottle with raffia and attached some faux grapes.

 

Burlap/ lace wire ribbon (Walmart) was attached to the middle of the bottle with more raffia. Faux lemons and grapes, a grapevine wreath and faux rosemary (all from Dollar Store) were placed around the wine bottle in the wire basket.

 

Black lanterns were placed on each side of the centerpiece.

 

They were embellished with faux grapes and rosemary sprigs as well.

 

 

For this sample table, I used my red bowls with white plates (all from Pier 1) on top of a red charger.

Red picnic flatware adds a casual look to the table.

 

Here is a simple tip for coordinating the cushions of your outdoor dining chairs with your table...put white pillow cases over them!

 

As you can see, my chairs have a striped pattern that would have clashed with the red/white checkered tablecloth.

 

 

By adding white pillow cases and additional napkins pinned diagonally on top, a cohesive look is achieved.

 

What's a wine-themed table without some red wine?  Candlelight adds to the ambience - read on to see how I changed up the centerpiece.

 

 I also created another look with the same centerpiece by changing out the wine bottle.

 

I placed a cylinder vase with a floating candle in the insert inside the basket and then placed the embellished wine bottles on each side.

This creates a nice look for evening with the candles aglow.

  While I was setting the tables for the actual event, I snapped a few pics to capture how they looked (prior to chairs being set out) over at my friend's place. She has the most gorgeous view overlooking the river with a mountainous backdrop.

The Italian wine-themed centerpieces and tablecloths fit perfectly...

...with a view perhaps a bit reminiscent of Italy.

It was a fun challenge to create the table décor for my friend and very pleasing when she later told me, her guests loved it. 
I think it's my turn for a glass of wine!

 

 

Thanks for visiting!

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Saturday Sparks on Pieced Pastimes

Sundays Down Under at Natasha in Oz
Five Star Frugal at A Tray of Bliss

Amaze Me Mondays at Dwellings

Show & Share at Coastal Charm

The Scoop at Stone Gable

Inspire Me Tuesdays at A Stroll Thru Life

Tuesday at Our Home at Our Home Away From Home

Tutorials & Tips at Home Stories A to Z

Talented Tuesdays at Home Remedies

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Sizzle into Summer at DIY by Design

Share Your Style at Northern Nesting

What's It Wednesdays at Ivy & Elephants

Thursday Favorite Things at Surroundings by Debi

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch to Yours

Grace at Home at Imparting Grace

Inspiration Gallery at Craftberry Bush

Creative Ways at Posed Perfection

Foodie Friday & Everything Else at Rattlebridge Farm

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Weekend Retreat at AKA Design

Show & Tell Friday at My Romantic Home